Editor’s Note

Ahoy! Welcome aboard the S.S. Historical Messenger!

We’re expecting clear skies and smooth sailing this afternoon. Activities Director Dan will be hosting a shuffle board tournament down on Deck 3 in a few hour, but until then, why not grab a lounge chair, toss on some sunscreen, and enjoy a little bit of history and WCHS news?

…you know, every-other-week for the last three years I’ve been writing a little greeting for each these e-newsletters. Today’s might be the worst. Luckily, you can come tell me how bad it was in person tonight at Lift Bridge Brewery in Stillwater at the “Save the Boutwell House!” Townie Tuesday fundraiser. Check out the first News story for more information.

The cooler weather we’ve been having is a harsh reminder that summer will soon be replaced by autumn here in Minnesota…but that does mean we’re getting closer to our ever popular Paranormal Investigations event! And this year, you can get in on the all the supernatural-action in an interesting and unique way. Scroll down to our second News story to find out how.

Did you know that August is Professional Wrestling Month in Minnesota? You can continue to celebrate turnbuckles and spandex short-shorts on September 13th when we’ll be hosting a couple very special guests at the Warden’s House. Our third News story will let you know the rest of the details.

Of course, we also have another mysterious item for you to try to identify in our “What Is This Thing?!” section.

Down in our Old News section, you’ll read a note from a newspaper editor who seems pretty unimpressed by “moving pictures”.

Tomorrow is the 167th anniversary of the 1848 Stillwater Territorial Convention. Sixty-one self-appointed delegates met in Stillwater and began a process that would bring forth the Territory, and later State, of Minnesota. It is from this meeting Stillwater rightfully calls itself the “Birthplace of Minnesota”. In today’s Featured Article, you will read the delegates’ own words on how and why Minnesota came to be.

Want to learn more about the history of Washington County? “Like” WCHS on Facebook and follow us on Twitter!

WCHS News

Last Chance to Hunt Ghosts with the Pros

The Washington County Historical Society is raffling an opportunity to join the Johnsdale Paranormal Group on a paranormal investigation of the Warden’s House Museum in Stillwater.

The drawing will be held Saturday, September 5th at 2:00 PM at the Warden’s House located at 602 Main St. N, Stillwater, MN. Need not be present to win.

Tickets may be purchased until an hour before the drawing for $10 per entry.

The raffle winner, and one guest of their choice, will participate in an overnight investigation of the Warden’s House.

The Johnsdale Paranormal Group will explain their techniques and theories and the guest investigators will gain hands-on experience with their state-of-the-art evidence gathering equipment.

The Johnsdale Paranormal Group has captured what seem to be disembodied voices and unexplained flashes of light in their previous investigations of the museum.

For full contest rules and consolation prize information see www.wchsmn.org/raffle. Please contact Sean Pallas at spallas.wchs@gmail.com or 651-439-5956 with any questions regarding the raffle or the museum in general. Proceeds benefit the Washington County Historical Society.

WCHS News

Pro Wrestling in Minnesota Program

Join former American Wrestling Association (AWA) commentator Mick Karch and George Schire, author of “Minnesota’s Golden Age of Wrestling” on Sunday, September 13th, 2015 at 2:00 PM at the Warden’s House Museum for a free program covering the long relationship between Minnesota and pro wrestling.

Minnesota’s professional wrestling history can be traced back to the 1950s with the founding of the AWA. Mad Dog Vachon, Verne Gagne, The Crusher, and of course, Jesse Venture are just some of the Minnesotan names to impact the pro wrestling world.

Whether you are a current pro wrestling fan or have cherished childhood memories of screaming at your television, this program will be filled with rich history and stories from the “Golden Age” of Minnesota wrestling.

This free and open to the public presentation will be held at the Warden’s House Museum which is located at 602 Main Street N., Stillwater, MN.

Please contact Sean Pallas at spallas.wchs@gmail.com or 651-439-5956 with any questions regarding this event or to schedule a tour of the museum.

What is This Thing?!

What Is This Thing?! (Round 15)

Last issue’s What Is This Thing?! was definitely a tricky one! In fact, for the first time ever, everyone was stumped! One of the reasons why this particular item may have been difficult to identify is because its modern equivilent isn’t terribly commonplace. Unless you work in a post office, you probably don’t see a whole lot of these around in your day-to-day life.

That’s right, the last item is a document tube! It was used to transport and store important papers safely in the days before fax and emails.

As always, thank you everyone for participating and even though no one was able to name last challenge’s mystery artifact, there’s always this week’s!

Can you identify the WCHS artifact photographed above? If you’d care to venture an answer, you can send an email to me at spallas.wchs@gmail.com, tweet @WCHSMN, or post your guess on our Facebook page.

Old News

A Skeptical View on Movies

Is this a prime example of the old guard disrespecting a new wave? “Oh, movies will never catch on,” “Oh, the Internet is just a fad”.

They say that those who do not study history are doomed to repeat the past’s mistakes. Well, sometimes the past’s mistakes come from not being able to read the future.

Afton News – Stillwater Messenger – August 25, 1906

A traveling show tent has been giving moving picture entertainments in the village [of Afton] of the San Francisco horror. Ten cents was the entrance fee for children and adults twenty cents. They had full houses every evening as the people seemed to take delight in the process of being skinned at 10 and 20 cents per head.

Featured Article

Making Minnesota

from “1848 Stillwater Convention Meeting Minutes” recorded by William Holcomb and David Lambert, Secretaries

The meeting began at 10:00 AM on August 26th, 1848 in the top floor of John McKusick’s store on the corner of Main and Myrtle Streets in Stillwater. Among the sixty-one in attendance were lawyers, farmers, a ferry operator, a doctor of medicine, fur traders, and businessmen from all areas of industry. Earlier in the month, a similar meeting had been cancelled when too few representatives materialized.

After selecting a governing body for the convention, Joseph R. Brown was selected to chair “a committee of seven members [to] be appointed to draft a memorial to Congress for the early organization of the Territory of Minnesota”.

Four and a half hours later, their petition was presented before the convention:

“Whereas by the admission of Wisconsin and Iowa into the Union with the boundaries prescribed by Congress, we the inhabitants of the country formerly a portion of the said Territories, are left without a government or officers to administer the laws:

And whereas by the omission of Congress to organize a separate Territorial Government for the region of country which we inhabit we are placed in the unparalleled position of being disfranchised of the rights and privileges which we guaranteed to us under the ordinance of 1787; and without any fault of our own and with every desire to be governed by laws, are in fact without adequate legal protection for our lives or property;

And whereas having patiently awaited the action of Congress during its late session under the full hope and confidence that before the adjournment of that honorable body a bill would have been passed for the organization for a Territorial Government to embrace our section of the country, we have been disappointed in our hopes, and cannot believe that the omission of Congress to act in the premises can proceed from any other cause than the want of an adequate acquaintance with the position in which we are placed, the character of the country, its population and resources”

In the most diplomatic manner, Brown and his committee had decided that the only reason Congress had not already created Minnesota is because they simply didn’t know enough about this particular frontier land. The delegates offered the following paragraphs as enlightenment on the subject.

“That this region of Country is settled by a population of nearly 5000 persons who are engaged in various industrial pursuits; that it contains valuable pine forests, excellent arable land, mineral treasures, almost unequalled facilities for mills and manufactures, and possessing an exceedingly healthful climate, is capable of sustaining a dense and prosperous population; that its population is now constantly and rapidly increasing, and is characterized by industry, energy, and sobriety.

That having once enjoyed the rights, and privileges of Citizens of a Territory of the United States, they are now, without fault or blame of their own, virtually disfranchised. They have no securities for their lives or property but those which exist in mutual good understanding. Meanwhile all proceedings in criminal cases, and all process for the collection of debts, are suspended; credit exists only so far as a perfect confidence in mutual good faith extends, and all the operation of business are embarrassed.

Your Memorialists [the Delegates] would respectfully represent that even in a well ordered and law abiding community such as they feel pride in declaring their own to be, such a state of affairs is fraught with evils and dangers. Its continuance will tend to prevent the immigration of the more valuable class of Citizens of the United States, while it will open a door of invitation and allurement to the lawless and desperate. It will foster dishonest and disorderly principles and actions among their Citizens, and if suffered to exist for a long period will bring ruin upon a prosperous and fertile region.”

Because of these reasons, the resolution finishes with this plea:

“They now most respectfully lay their case before the highest Executive authority earnestly asking that your Excellency will call the attention of Congress to their situation at the opening of the next annual session, and recommend the early organization for the Territory of Minnesota.”

The petition was unanimously approved by the remaining delegates, who in their next unanimous decision selected Henry Sibley as the man to travel to Washington, D.C. to champion their interests.

Six months later, on March 3rd, 1849, the Delegates’ prayers were answered. Their home was officially recognized when Congress created the Territory of Minnesota. The St. Croix River was established as the eastern border and the new territory extended westward to the Missouri River.

At the time of it’s founding, only one county government had been organized. Naturally, it was Washington County – the Gateway to Minnesota History.

Preserve the Past, Share in the Future!

Become a member of the Washington County Historical Society!

Membership is one way that you can help support the Washington County Historical Society. Your membership helps us collect, preserve, and disseminate the history of Washington County for county residents and visitors in the belief that a historical perspective enhances our understanding of community and sense of place.

Benefits of membership:

FREE admission to the Warden’s House Museum in Stillwater and Hay Lake Museum Complex in Scandia

WCHS News

Goodbye Interns!

As a former WCHS intern myself, I may be a bit biased…but I believe that our internships are one of our finest programs. I’m always extremely supportive when new faces bring new ideas into the world of history.

The 10-week program always goes by fast and this past Sunday was the 2015 interns’ last day. One is heading back to her undergrad program, another continues work on her graduate degree, and the third is heading out looking for a permenant position in public history. I wish them all the best of luck and thank them for their hard-work with WCHS this summer!

If you haven’t had a chance yet, be sure to check out their favorite historical images and photos on Instagram!

Here’s what a couple of the interns had to say about their experiences:

Alicia Tipcke (right), “Becoming an intern at the Washington County Historical Society was a fantastic experience. Interning here taught me the inner workings of museums including giving tours, cataloguing artifacts, setting up exhibits and events, as well as running social media sites. For those interested in working in the field of history this internship offers a wide variety of experiences that are imperative to learn. I feel much more prepared after working here to search for more internships and jobs in history.”

Alicia developed an online exhibit comparing and contrasting semi-professional musical groups for the 60s/70s to those of the 2000s. Please enjoy Gigs, Guitars, and Garage Bands!

Maja Proescholdt(center), “This internship was a great opportunity for me to gain real hands-on experience both in the operation of both a museum, and in the administration of a regional historical society. My main project was developing a fundraising event, the 2nd Annual Apple-Away 5K, in coordination with the nearby Gammelgården Museum in Scandia, MN. I was partnered with the Gammelgården intern, Kirby, to work on this event as a joint endeavor between both the Hay Lake Museum and Gammelgården Museum.

This project will overall contribute to my career goals in giving me experience developing and managing a fundraising event. It has also given me an insight into the budgetary requirements of local historical societies, and the general fundraising efforts needed to ensure that local history is preserved for future generations.”

Finally, Lauren Anderson(left), performed extensive research when developing and designing a new exhibit at the Warden’s House Museum highlighting our collection of medical instruments. Come check out the new exhibit by taking a tour of the museum, which is open Thursdays-Sundays!

WCHS News

Washington County History Network

Yesterday, about a dozen individuals representing various historical minded organizations of Washington County met at the Sail Away Cafe of Afton. The Washington County History Network meets quarterly to foster cooperation, partnership, and comradery between all the involved groups.

At the meetings, we also discuss recent happenings and upcoming events of each organization…so if you haven’t heard, here’s what’s going on around Washington County:

Afton Historical Society: The Afton Historical Society is currently featuring a new “Roaring 20’s” exhibit at their museum in Afton. With everything from flapper dresses to a moonshine still on display (in photograph to the right) the new exhibit captures the feel of the gangster era. The upstairs of the museum also is highlighting military veterans of Afton in another new exhibit. Their museum is open Wednesday and Thursdays, 1:00 – 6:00 PM and Sundays, 1:00 – 4:00 PM through Labor Day.

Cottage Grove Advisory Committee on Historic Preservation: The Cottage Grove ACHP had a great time at the recent Strawberry Festival in Cottage Grove. They are also still selling cook books full of historic recipes from the area at the Cottage Grove City Hall. The $15.00 book can make a great house warming gift for newcomers or for those who’ve lived there for decades and long for a unique connection to their city’s history.

Denmark Township Historical Society: Now that the Valley School has been purchased and saved from demolition, the Denmark Township Historical Society has hired an architect and is raising money to restore the school. During the second weekend of October, the Society will be hosting a Vintage Tool Machinery Exhibition at Denmark Township Town Hall.

South Washington County Heritage Society: The South Washington County Heritage Society continues to hold outings such as their recent trip to the J.J. Hill Farm. On September 12th, the Society will host Harold Gifford, author of The Miracle Landing. In 1960, Gifford was the co-pilot of a DC-3 carrying the Minneapolis Lakers professional basketball team. However, due to a massive snowstorm, the crew was forced to land the plane in an Iowa cornfield. You won’t want to miss this exciting true story brought to you by the South Washington County Heritage Society.

Stillwater Library: The Stillwater Library is working to digitize several of their historical collections including building permits from 1886 to 1944. They are also creating indexes and files on residences used in past Stillwater house tours as well as historic post cards.

Stone House Museum: The Stone House Museum of Marine on St. Croix has recently re-opened the small jail cell connected to the old town hall. Complete with prisoner graffiti written in Swedish on the walls, this interesting feature is definitely worth checking out! The Museum is open Saturday and Sunday afternoons 1:00 – 4:00 PM.

Woodbury Heritage Society: The Heritage House operated by the Woodbury Heritage Society will be open to visitors every second and fourth Sunday through September from 1:00-4:00 PM. They are also continuing to raise funds to perserve the Miller Barn.

WCHS News

“Outhouse Archaeology” Program

Join privy digger Mark Youngblood this Sunday, August 16th, 2015 at 2:00 PM at the Warden’s House Museum for a free program covering his unique style of unearthing history.

Mr. Youngblood has spent more than 30 years locating and excavating 19th and early 20th century privies and outhouse sites.

A century ago, folks used their outhouses as garbage dumps – but what was considered trash 100 years ago are today’s historical artifacts!

Mr. Youngblood will share some of his techniques, stories, and a few favorite items he’s discovered at this presentation anyone interested in local history won’t want to miss!

This free and open to the public presentation will be held at the Warden’s House Museum which is located at 602 Main Street N., Stillwater, MN.

Please contact Sean Pallas at spallas.wchs@gmail.com or 651-439-5956 with any questions regarding this event or to schedule a tour of the museum.

What is This Thing?!

What Is This Thing?! (Round 14)

Get your toe’s tapping! Last week’s What Is This Thing?! is an Edison Cylinder Record! As you can see, I did intentionally take the photo at an unusual angle. I got a few guesses of drainage piping and artillery shells that I wouldn’t have gotten had I used this as the photo.

If you look very carefully, you can actually see the small grooves on the side of the cylinder revealing that this particular device worked in the same fashion as later record players.

This particular cylinder held about 4 minutes of music and played “Love & Devotion” recorded by a Venetian Instrumental Trio and released in 1909. One the regular participants in our weekly challenge found a website where you can actually hear how this particular cylinder sounded! Click here to hear this more than a century old tune! Thanks for sharing Randy!

As always, thank you everyone for participating and congratulations to all the folks who correctly identified last week’s artifact!

…but how about this week’s challenge?!

Can you identify the WCHS artifact photographed above? If you’d care to venture an answer, you can send an email to me at spallas.wchs@gmail.com, tweet @WCHSMN, or post your guess on our Facebook page.

Old News

Stillwater at the Plate

..buy me some peanuts and Cracker Jack, I don’t care if I never get back… Oh! Excuse me, got swept up in the moment a bit.

We definitely are in the middle of baseball season! I’ve had the good fortune to enjoy a couple St. Paul Saints games this year and let me tell you, there’s nothing quite like sitting in a packed stadium on a warm night with a hot dog and a cold beer.

The only real trouble is that I think the actual game itself is a little boring…

Yes, it’s true, I hope you can forgive me (and if not, angry letters can be sent to our PO Box), but I’m just not the biggest sports fan in the world. But you know what? If the games of today had ridiculous scores like the ones reported below…maybe I’d be more interested!

(And be sure to check out the new St. Croix Base Ball Club – playing vintage rules base ball throughout the summer and fall!)

Our citizens manifest an increased interest in base ball matters, and scan the daily papers closely to keep posted on matters pertaining to the noble game. Formal Opening The formal opening of St. Croix park to the public takes place this afternoon when a contest takes place between the Blue-Stockings of Minneapolis and our home nine, which will doubtless be most exciting and entertaining. Our club is stronger than ever, and if its opponents win the day they will have to play better than any club with which our boys have played the present season.

A game took place on Saturday at Osceola between a club in that village and the St. Croix nine, resulting in a score of 69 to 1 in favor of our boys. The contest at St. Croix Park on Saturday between the printers and painters of this city resulted: Printers 49, painters 20. Some good playing was witnessed on both sides, though the printers had a greater number of experienced players than their adversaries.

The Amateurs of Oshkosh, Wis., are making a tour of Minnesota. On Tuesday they defeated the Clippers of Winona by a score of 8 to 1, and on Wednesday were defeated by the Red Caps of St. Paul by a score of 30 to 3.

Featured Article

One Room Schools – Lesson #2 School Subjects

by Dustyn Dubuque

When a visitor is looking around the Hay Lake School Museum they will see many different items, one item being a report card for student Rodney Engquist (8th grade). This report card is from the 1918-19 season at the Hay Lake School. This report card is for the terms of fall and winter. Subject that Rodney learned were for industry, spelling, reading, penmanship, grammar, arithmetic, and U.S. History. The teacher during that season was Ruby Swenson, as seen on the picture provided gold stars were placed for a perfect score in a specific department. One can also see the “important” subjects that were needing to be taught as they were the ones with grades assigned to them.

Spelling was a very important subject in a one room school. Spelling bees were not uncommon and were a main source of competition between different students. Students used English, rhymes, and poems to perfect their spelling words. Spelling bees were also played between all the different grades, this was a common method of learning for all ages. Many children’s parents did not speak English so homework was often given to the kids to take home and teach their parents to speak English.

Arithmetic was also very important, much like today, and children would be split between groups based on their abilities. Third graders could often time be paired up with fifth graders if they were more advanced than others. A useful tool by a teacher would be to connect math problems with different problems or situations that happen on the farm.

Learning to write began at the first grade level, penmanship was a priority from day one. Each child was to learn cursive. All letters must connect in a smooth fashion so it was legible to read and it created a faster way to write. The teacher’s penmanship was used to a comparative tool to push children to learn to write the same or even better.

Science was a very hands on subject as many one room schools were in rural locations. Kids were allowed to go outside to look at different animals, go to the pond to look at aquatic species, or go into the brush to wrestle up different bugs and insects.

History was also important as many children were descendants of emigrants (Swedish in Scandia, MN) and needed to know the importance of our country.

Preserve the Past, Share in the Future!

Become a member of the Washington County Historical Society!

Membership is one way that you can help support the Washington County Historical Society. Your membership helps us collect, preserve, and disseminate the history of Washington County for county residents and visitors in the belief that a historical perspective enhances our understanding of community and sense of place.

Benefits of membership:

FREE admission to the Warden’s House Museum in Stillwater and Hay Lake Museum Complex in Scandia